No Longer Accepting Belviq Cases

 

In February of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that the manufacturer of Belviq and Belviq XR voluntarily remove the weight-loss drug from the U.S. market because a recent clinical trial shows an increased risk of cancer.

 

Showard Law Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to anyone who was diagnosed with cancer during or after taking the appetite control drug Belviq (Lorcaserin). Lawsuits have been filed since 2020 against Belviq parent company Eisai Inc. by injured patients seeking damages for negligence and misconduct. At your confidential consultation, we will provide a clear explanation of your legal rights and give you all the information you need to decide if taking legal action is the right next step for you.

 

Belviq Recall 2020 Information

 

On February 13, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested that Eisai Inc. voluntarily recall all Belviq and Belviq XR after a five-year clinical trial revealed an increased risk of cancer among users.

 

Patients are advised to:

 

  • Stop taking the drug,
  • Dispose of any unused lorcaserin,
  • And speak with a health care professional about alternative weight-loss solutions.

The agency is not recommending early cancer screenings at this time, but individuals who are experiencing adverse side effects are encouraged to notify the FDA MedWatch program and seek additional care.

 

Why Was Belviq Recalled?

 

When the FDA approved Belviq in 2012, it required developer Arena Pharmaceuticals to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular problems. While no heart-related problems were identified among the 12,000 participants over five years, data from the trial unexpectedly showed that 7.7 percent of Belviq users developed cancer, compared to 7.1 percent taking the placebo.

 

In the CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial:

 

  • 520 lorcaserin patients developed cancer, compared with 470 placebo patients.
  • 20 lorcaserin patients (vs 8 placebo) had multiple primary tumors.
  • 34 lorcaserin patients (vs 19 placebo) were cases of metastatic disease.
  • 52 lorcaserin patients died of cancer vs. 33 placebo patients by the median three-year follow-up.

 

During the first 180 days of the trial, new cancer cases were 76 among lorcaserin users and 77 in placebo users. However, from days 180 to 900, the lorcaserin group’s cancer cases outpaced the placebo group.

 

The types of cancer in the trial included:

 

  • Colorectal (26 vs 14)
  • Pancreatic (16 vs 2)
  • Lung (40 vs 25)
  • Leukemia (12 vs 6)
  • Hepatobiliary (10 vs 4)

 

Does the Belviq Recall Mean Lorcaserin Causes Cancer?

 

FDA reviewers acknowledged the overall cancer risk was low, but concluded that the drug’s potential benefits do not outweigh the risks.

 

In a statement, Eisai said their interpretation of the data “differed from that of the FDA” and maintained that Belviq and Belviq XR “have a positive benefit-risk profile in the patient population for which they are indicated.” However, the company added, “Eisai respects the FDA’s decision and is working closely with the Agency on the withdrawal process.”

 

Showard Law Firm Is Investigating Cancer Claims Tied to the Belviq and Belviq XR Recall

 

Now is the ideal opportunity to have an experienced attorney look over your case and help you with the next steps. We invite concerned parties to call now for a free Belviq cancer lawsuit consultation. We accept cases on a contingency basis, meaning legal fees are only due after a successful financial recovery.